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Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon & Feta

This Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon & Feta is a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful dish loaded with tender orzo pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and creamy feta cheese tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a cold orzo pasta salad for picnics, potlucks, meal prep, and warm-weather gatherings, this refreshing mediterranean orzo pasta salad is one of the best summer salads recipes you'll make all season. Whether you're craving a light summer orzo salad, a zesty lemon orzo salad, or easy cold pasta salad recipes, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad
  • 1 pound orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • For the Lemon Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook orzo according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain and rinse the orzo under cold water. Allow it to cool completely.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and dill.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  8. Toss lightly before serving and garnish with extra feta and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
  • Kalamata olives make a great Mediterranean addition.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Refresh leftovers with an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving.